HCA mental health agency

Bigbobby

I am interested in becoming a HCA in NHS mental health inpatient setting.  I work full time and need to supplement my income due to the cost of living.  I queried bank work for the local NHS trust but they are not recruiting at the moment.  I then sent my CV to 5 agencies in the local area but heard nothing back.  I do have previous mental health experience.
What are people's experiences with agency work as a HCA?  Is the NHS cutting back and there are lack of shifts?  Some agencies such as A24 pay a high hourly rate but I think shifts would be limited as the NHS would be reluctant to use such as expensive agency.  Anyone have good experiences with a national well known agency that pays well, contracted to the NHS and where shifts are readily available?
Do you get to book your shifts in advance or does it tend to be a last minute call from the agency?

Savvy_Sue

I don't know, but would there be any MH HCA shifts in care homes for dementia patients? Have you looked in that sort of setting?

gwynlas

I worked agency shifts as a RMN and it was virtually last minute each time. If you have regular days that you can work around your current job you would probably be better off at a nursing or care home on a rota.